APT Testing UKAS Accredited Services
APT Sound Testing~ UKAS Accredited Services
At APT Sound Testing, we specialise in delivering UKAS-accredited sound and air testing services across London and the UK. Whether you’re constructing a single dwelling, a block of flats, or a mixed-use commercial property, our team of expert engineers is here to help ensure your development complies with Approved Document E (Sound Testing) and Approved Document L (Air Tightness Testing) of the Building Regulations.
With one point of contact for both sound and air tests, we streamline the process, reduce your costs, and help avoid project delays by offering a complete testing solution from start to finish.
Sound Insulation Testing – Why It’s Required
Sound insulation testing is a legal requirement for all new residential buildings and conversions to demonstrate acceptable noise control between separating walls and floors. The goal is to protect occupants from unwanted airborne and impact noise and to ensure a high quality of living.
What Is Airborne & Impact Sound Testing?
Approved Document E requires two types of sound tests:
- Airborne Sound Testing – Measures the level of sound transmission through walls and floors (e.g. voices, music, TV).
- Impact Sound Testing – Measures noise generated by physical impacts on floors (e.g. footsteps, moving furniture).
By conducting both tests, we assess whether the construction provides a reasonable resistance to sound transfer and complies with the required acoustic performance standards.
How Many Sound Tests Will My Project Require?
The number of sound insulation tests required depends on:
- The size of the development
- The number of dwellings
- The types of separating wall and floor constructions used
As a general guide:
- Small to medium developments (up to 10 similar units) typically require a single “6-pack” of tests, including:
- 2 airborne wall tests
- 2 airborne floor tests
- 2 impact floor tests
- Semi-detached houses may only require 2 wall tests
Testing is usually carried out in the two main habitable rooms, typically the living room and bedroom, on each side of the separating element.
Our engineers will provide a custom test schedule for your site to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations.
What Are the Required Sound Test Performance Levels?
To pass, your development must achieve the following minimum acoustic performance levels:
For New Builds:
- Airborne Sound Insulation (walls and floors): ≥ 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr
- Impact Sound Insulation (floors): ≤ 62 dB LnT,w
For Conversions:
- Airborne Sound Insulation (walls and floors): ≥ 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr
- Impact Sound Insulation (floors): ≤ 64 dB LnT,w
If you’re unsure whether your construction details will meet these targets, we also offer pre-completion acoustic design advice to help you pass on the first attempt.
What Is Air Tightness Testing?
Air tightness testing (or air leakage testing) measures the amount of air escaping through unintended gaps or cracks in the building envelope. It’s a key part of ensuring energy efficiency, reducing heat loss, and lowering CO₂ emissions.
Why Air Tightness Matters
Buildings with poor air tightness can lose up to 50% of their heat, even if fitted with high-spec boilers or insulation. This means:
- Higher energy bills
- Overloaded heating and ventilation systems
- Difficulty meeting energy performance standards
- Potential delays in project sign-off
That’s why achieving a low air permeability rate is essential – not only for compliance but also for long-term building performance.
Is Air Tightness Testing a Legal Requirement?
Yes. In the UK, air tightness testing is mandatory under Part L of the Building Regulations:
- Part L1A – New domestic dwellings
- Part L2A – New non-domestic/commercial buildings
You’ll need to demonstrate that your building meets the air permeability target specified in your SAP or SBEM report, usually measured in m³/hr/m² at 50 Pascals.
How Many Air Tests Will I Need?
The number of tests required is determined by the ATTMA Technical Standards:
- For residential dwellings (TS1): Test 3 of each dwelling type or 50%, whichever is fewer
- For commercial buildings (TS2): Test representative samples based on size and type
However, if you don’t test enough units, a 2 m³/hr/m² penalty may be applied across all untested plots. For example, if your SAP design rate is 5 m³/hr/m², you’ll have to meet 3 m³/hr/m² on-site – which can be significantly more difficult.
To avoid penalties, many clients choose to test all units. We can help determine the most cost-effective strategy for your development.
UKAS-Accredited Testing – Why It Matters
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ensures that testing bodies meet internationally recognised standards of competence and consistency.
At APT Sound Testing, both our sound and air testing services are UKAS accredited, giving you complete confidence that:
- Our results are accurate and reliable
- Reports are accepted by Building Control without challenge
- Your project remains on schedule and within budget
Sectors We Work In
We provide expert testing services for:
- Residential new builds and conversions
- Apartments and mixed-use developments
- Commercial offices and retail spaces
- Schools and educational facilities
- Care homes, hotels, and buildings with rooms for residential purposes
Whether you need testing for one plot or an entire estate, we can scale our services to match your project needs.
Why Choose APT Sound Testing?
✅ UKAS-accredited for both air and sound testing
✅ Nationwide coverage across London and the UK
✅ Fast turnaround with same-day certificates available
✅ Expert acoustic advice to help you pass first time
✅ One contractor for both sound and air testing – saving time and money
✅ Friendly, experienced team of engineers ready to support your project
Get in Touch Today
Whether you’re planning your next development or approaching completion, APT Sound Testing is here to help with reliable testing and clear guidance every step of the way.
📞 Call us today on 01525 303905
📧 Or use the contact form to speak with one of our acoustic and air testing consultants
Let’s ensure your project meets all sound and air compliance standards – smoothly, efficiently, and without delay.